Consultation Launched on Ethics of Brain Technology

By Nick Clayton

The number of ways technology can interact with the human brain is increasing fast. These neurotechnologies may be used to treat illnesses, control computer games or even launch weapons.

Their use raises a number of ethical questions that will be the subject of a public consultation by the U.K.’s charitably funded independent Nuffield Council on Bioethics. The BBC reports the study will be lead by Prof. Thomas Baldwin of the University of York, who pointed out there was a long history of altering the brain from trepanning — drilling holes in the skull — to lobotomies.

The study will look at newer developments.

One of the most widely used techniques is DBS for Parkinson’s patients. Electrodes are inserted into specific regions of the brain and are hooked up to a battery in the chest. Bursts of electricity help control the tremors associated with the condition.

DBS is also being considered for a range of other conditions from depression to Tourette’s syndrome.

Dr Alena Buyx, the assistant director of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, warned that while there were medical benefits, the therapy had “quite significant side effects” and could result in changes to speech and even personality, which raised ethical questions. She even cited a case of patient caught stealing who used the defence of “my brain electrode made me do it.”

It has also been suggested that a different type of brain stimulation, achieved by wearing a special cap, can improve people’s ability to do maths.

The public is also being asked about “brain computer interfaces,” which are already beginning to be used to control computer games and electric wheelchairs.

Prof Baldwin said: “Intervening in the brain has always raised both hopes and fears in equal measure. Hopes of curing terrible diseases, and fears about the consequences of trying to enhance human capability beyond what is normally possible.

“These challenge us to think carefully about fundamental questions to do with the brain: what makes us human, what makes us an individual, and how and why do we think and behave in the way we do.”

Add a Comment

About Tech Europe

Tech Europe covers Europe’s technology leaders, their companies, and the people and industries that support them — and their ideas. The blog is edited by Ben Rooney, with contributions from The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires.